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Composer

Tīmoti Kāretu

1937 -

Tīmoti was born in 1937 and is a descendant of the Ngāi Tūhoe and Ngāti Kahungunu tribes. He is a scholar who is nationally and internationally recognised for his knowledge of the Māori language. Tīmoti is also a prolific composer and Māori performing arts expert.

I turn my gaze to the descendant of all the
tribes of the country
To the one who was crowned, to Te Ata-i-rangi-kaahu
Also to the sacred mountain top where the
chiefs repose
To the charismatic waters flowing by

And then I come to rest on Tūrangawaewae
I look at the assembly of people
And seek out the eloquent speakers
Those with the knowledge of times gone
I seek and I seek but to no avail.

Within the last decade
They have all passed on
Thunder crashes
Lightning rents the air
And mountain tops crumble
The land shakes
Symbolising their departure
Now, the land lies silent.
Yes, indeed, we who are the envy of the
multitudes
We are as though lost and confused

So let us prepare ourselves well
Concentrate on the important issues
Keep a sense of proportion
Thereby perpetuating the intangible
elements of our culture
So it can truly be said,
'I am of the seed of chiefs
And will never be lost.'

Explanation

This action song was composed to honour Te Ata-i-rangi-kaahu and the people of Waikato. It was first performed at the Coronation celebrations of 1982.